D. Leroy Waggett
D. Leroy Waggett, age 90, of Carmichaels, Pa., passed into eternity at 3:05 a.m. on Friday, November 27, 2015 in his home, surrounded by family.
Born on Wednesday, June 17, 1925 in Mather, Pa., to William Roy and Edith Bernice (Lint) Waggett, Leroy never strayed far from Cumberland Township, leaving only for wartime service.
Leroy enlisted in the United States Navy with early graduation from Cumberland Township High School in Carmichaels and proudly served his country as a Ships Cook Second Class in the Seabees.
After the World War II, he embarked on a 36-year career with the Buckeye Coal Company in Nemacolin, Pa., where he served in a variety of positions including Chief Draftsman, Surveyor, and in the Supply House before retiring as the mine’s Director of Maintenance.
Leroy gave freely of himself to the community
He particularly enjoyed mentoring young people in his role as a Boy Scout and Explorer Troop leader. He also volunteered as a cook during Scout camping season at Camp Anawanna. Many of his former Scouts attribute their success in life to his influence as a man of caring and integrity.
He also worked for many years at the Nemacolin Community Pool and is still fondly known as ‘Froggie’ and ‘Mr. Waggett’ by those who spent their summers there.
Photography was another passion and he was well-known around town from photographing weddings, community and work events, and as the unofficial photographer and historian of the Nemacolin Mine.
In his retirement he remained as busy working at the former Cumberland Building Supply where he enjoyed helping customers with all their needs.
He enjoyed helping family and friends with home projects. Each of his children can look at their homes and see his personal touch.
He loved his dog, Wicket, who was his constant companion
He also enjoyed cooking for the family and church activities. He would travel with his cooking supplies to make group meals for church events.
Leroy was a longtime member of the Nemacolin Presbyterian Church and most recently was a member of the Greene Valley Presbyterian Church in Carmichaels.
Known by his family as a loving and generous man, Leroy was devoted to his wife of 67 years, his children, and extended family and will be greatly missed.
He was the original ‘corker’.
He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Mae Watson whom he wed on Saturday, June 26, 1948.
Also surviving are a son, Donald L. Waggett Jr. and his wife Pauline of San Diego, California; four daughters: Beverly Kipfer and her husband Donald of Meadville, Pa., Betsy Marks of Ashland, Virginia, Bernice Jeffrey and husband Christopher of Garards Fort, Pa., and Beth Ann Gould and her husband Ryan of Bahama, North Carolina; a daughter-in-law, Ruth A. Osborne (Gary) of Carmichaels, Pa.; 14 grandchildren: Justine Waggett, Shawn Kipfer, Aaron Kipfer, Ulrich Kipfer, Hannah Kipfer, Joyce Edgar (Darrell), Jack Waggett (Kristen), Jeffrey Waggett (Stephanie), Joseph Waggett (Brooke), Ashley Palmer (Sam), Megan Phillips (Ted), Christopher Jeffrey Jr. (Shelby), Cathy Cole, and Jacob Gould; 12 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two sons, William Robert Waggett who died in infancy and Jack K. Waggett; two brothers, Milroy Waggett and Ronald Waggett; one sister, Betty Jean Waggett who died in infancy; his parents; and his beloved dog, Wicket.
Family and friends are welcome to visit with the family from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 with the Memorial Service starting at 6 p.m. at the YOSKOVICH FUNERAL HOME, (724.966.5500), Martin J. Yoskovich, Funeral Director, 300 South Vine Street (Route 88), Carmichaels, PA 15320. The Rev. P. Keith Larson will officiate.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to: Special Olympics of Crawford County, 222 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.
For additional information and to sign the online Guest Book, please visit www.YoskovichFH.com